5 Things You Need in Your Apartment for the Next Blackout

⚡ 5 Things You Need in Your Apartment for the Next Blackout

Blackouts don’t announce themselves. One minute you’re streaming your favorite show, the next — total darkness, no Wi-Fi, dead phone battery.

A well-prepared apartment can make a huge difference. You don’t need to spend a fortune or turn your place into a bunker. Here are five smart, affordable items to keep on hand — so you’re ready when the lights go out.

🔦 1. Reliable Flashlights and Spare Batteries

Forget about using your phone flashlight — you’ll need to save that battery for emergencies.

Invest in two or three solid LED flashlights. Choose ones that are easy to hold and give strong, wide light. Keep extra batteries nearby or go for rechargeable models with USB.

📻 2. Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio

During a blackout, you can’t rely on the internet for news.

A simple battery-powered radio (or hand-crank model) lets you stay updated on what’s happening — weather alerts, emergency services, or local outages. It’s old-school, but it works.

🔋 3. Portable Power Bank

When the grid is down, your phone becomes your main connection to the world.

Have at least one good power bank (10,000 mAh or more) charged and ready. It can give your phone 2–3 full charges — keeping you online and informed.

💧 4. Drinking Water and Shelf-Stable Food

Blackouts sometimes affect water systems too. Keep a few gallons of bottled water per person.

Also stock easy-to-eat, shelf-stable food: canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit. Focus on items you actually like and will use.

💵 5. Cash in Small Bills

ATMs and card readers may not work during a major power outage.

Having $50–100 in small bills (5s, 10s, 20s) lets you buy essentials if needed — no stress, no scrambling.

✏️ Final Tip: Keep It Simple

Preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated. With these five basics, you’ll be in a much stronger position during the next blackout — calm, safe, and a little more in control.

Urban Survival 360° is here to help you prepare smart — without fear, without hype.

🛍️ Recommended Products

The links below are affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. This helps support Urban Survival 360° and allows us to keep creating practical guides.

👉 See recommended flashlights, radios, and power banks on Amazon

🖋️ About the Author
Urban Survival 360° is written by a driver with years on the road across U.S. cities and highways — sharing real-world tips to help you stay prepared for modern risks.